A jewelry store owner in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, fired a gun during a smash-and-grab robbery, forcing the thief to flee. No injuries were reported, and the suspect remains at large.

SAN DIEGO, CA (3-minute read) — A jewelry store owner in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, fired a shot into the ceiling during a smash-and-grab robbery attempt at his store. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Bernardo Center Drive, just east of Interstate 15, according to San Diego Police Officer John Buttle.

The robbery unfolded when a suspect used a hammer to shatter two display cases, grabbing valuable jewelry. The thief’s actions startled a store clerk, whose scream alerted the owner, who was in the back office. The owner, realizing the severity of the situation, armed himself and quickly moved to confront the intruder.

To deter the thief, the owner fired a single shot into the ceiling. The suspect, described as a heavy-set man between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall, immediately fled the scene. Witnesses noted that he was wearing a black hat, a blue and green camouflage face mask, gloves, a black long-sleeve shirt, and black pants.

The exact value of the stolen items remains unclear, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

While firing warning shots might seem like a quick way to deter a threat, it is generally not recommended due to the significant risks involved. Warning shots can lead to unintended consequences, such as injury or property damage, as bullets fired into the air or into objects can ricochet unpredictably.

Additionally, discharging a firearm in this manner may escalate a situation rather than defuse it, potentially endangering bystanders or escalating the threat.

In many jurisdictions, firing warning shots can also have legal ramifications, as the use of a firearm is often strictly regulated and may be considered an inappropriate use of deadly force. Instead of relying on warning shots, individuals should be trained to assess situations carefully and use their firearm only as a last resort when life is in imminent danger.

Safety Tip: Always ensure that your firearm is stored securely and accessible only to those trained to use it. Regularly review and practice your emergency response plan to prepare for any situation.